"That crescent moon mark on its forehead…"
Seeing how long Veyron had been staring at the mark on the dog yokai's head, Midoriko chimed in with what she knew: "That's likely a royal symbol—used among the Inu-Yokai clan of the Western Lands."
"So basically, you're a little princess, huh?"
Honestly, even without Midoriko pointing it out, once Veyron realized this world had both Touhou Project and Inuyasha in the mix, it wasn't too hard to piece things together.
The crescent mark, their location in the Western Lands, and the appearance of this puppy pretty much spelled it out.
With a grin, he gave her a reverse 'Lion King'–style lift.
Sadly for the little dog, no 'Circle of Life' intro.
"Hmph~" (Foolish human~)
The little puppy turned her head with a prideful huff.
"Alright, alright. Go on, keep eating."
Veyron set the pup back down next to the tiger demon's corpse and let her continue her meal. Then he turned to the shrine maiden. "Miss Midoriko, I'm guessing you haven't had anything to eat either. Want to join me for a bite?"
Midoriko glanced at the tiger demon corpse, which was already halfway devoured, and raised an eyebrow.
"Don't worry, I didn't mean that. This trip ended up being a bit more chaotic than expected, but I still packed some emergency food."
With a snap of his fingers, two meal boxes popped out from the group marketplace where he'd stashed them earlier.
When he opened them, they were still steaming—rice and side dishes perfectly preserved.
"…That's a clever technique."
Midoriko hadn't sensed a thing when Veyron summoned them, and she couldn't help but offer a bit of praise.
"You flatter me," Veyron chuckled. Then he realized—he hadn't even introduced himself yet. So he gave his name, then asked, "Do you drink, Miss Midoriko?"
Midoriko shook her head politely.
"Well then, how about some fruit?"
Veyron pulled out a few exotic fruits—bulk imports from another world's marketplace that he had Chika help him grab.
Though it was in the middle of nowhere, the lunch was surprisingly satisfying.
While petting the now-full dog yokai—who hadn't eaten and immediately run off—Veyron watched Midoriko as she tidied her things, having finished her meal. Curious, he asked, "So, Miss Midoriko, are you just traveling around, or do you have a specific destination in mind?"
"I'm heading to Fujiwara-kyo," she replied. "A few years ago, when I had just started wandering, I got caught in a desperate counterattack by a strong demon while fighting their group."
"I was saved by a passing caravan, led by a noblewoman. She let me stay and recover for a few days. Just recently, I heard from a group of merchants that the noblewoman and her entire married-in family have all passed away… and the circumstances of their deaths were rather… unusual."
"Most likely. So I plan to look into it."
"What a coincidence," Veyron said, grinning. "That's actually where I'm headed too. Wanna go together?"
"…Then I'll be in your care."
After a slight pause, Midoriko agreed.
And just like that, a one-man journey turned into a two person-one dog party after a single meal.
Back in his old world, Veyron had only watched a few survival shows online. Since arriving here, aside from the bamboo tower of Eientei and Rusukaina Island in the One Piece world, he hadn't really ventured much.
In contrast, Midoriko, who'd been wandering the lands for years and exterminating all kinds of demons and spirits, clearly had tons of experience with outdoor survival.
She knew how to pick easier paths during the day, navigate winding trails without getting lost, and find dry caves or other safe places to sleep at night.
To her, this stuff was basic.
What's that? You're wondering why food and water—the core of survival—haven't been mentioned yet?
Midoriko's gaze flicked toward the dog demon (yokai) faithfully following behind Veyron.
Compared to when they first met, the little one had noticeably bulked up.
That's what happens when you're fed the corpses of monsters Veyron casually cut down along the way. She'd eaten so much, she couldn't digest it all in time—so the excess nutrition went straight to growth.
And her demonic power had grown several times stronger than when they first met.
No wonder she, a dog demon of royal blood, was willing to stick with him this whole time.
Veyron gave all the kills along the way to her.
Of course, he didn't skimp on himself either.
Midoriko, remembering the rich meals they'd enjoyed these past days, subtly touched her waistline.
Hmm… thankfully, they hadn't been traveling together long enough for it to show.
"Looks like we're just about at Fujiwara-kyo. Shall we part ways here, Lord Veyron?"
Gazing at the city up ahead, Midoriko finally spoke.
"Sure, sounds good. Until we meet again."
After she left, he crouched down in front of the dog demon. "Alright, it's time for you to give me a straight answer. Are we just gonna be friends, or are you coming home with me?"
"Grrr…" (Guarding your house? No way!)
She bared her fangs, sharp teeth glinting in the light with a fierce glare.
"And…?" Veyron raised an eyebrow, waiting for the follow-up.
"Whine~" (At most, I'll help chase off intruders or other uninvited guests… not for you, for myself, got it!)
Just as he expected, after a little show of pride, she reluctantly made her intentions clear—she would go with him.
But she added a disclaimer.
As the current bearer of the most prestigious bloodline among the Western dog demons (Inu-Yokai), she'd one day inherit the clan from the old chieftain if she reached the level of a great demon and became the strongest.
Even if she didn't, if her clan was ever in danger, she wouldn't just sit idly by.
Unlike the more reclusive Eastern demons—who only got together for the odd Parade of One Hundred Demons—the Western dog demons had built a society where power made right.
A king was naturally owed the loyalty of all Western dog demons, and likewise, bore the responsibility to protect them when needed.
"If that day comes, I won't stop you," Veyron said, shaking the paw she offered.
With that, their contract was sealed.
"By the way, I've been wondering—"
Veyron tilted his head.
"You already know my name, but I don't think I ever got yours."
If he remembered right, the original story never actually mentioned it either.
"Woof…" (Our names can be given by elders or earned through reputation. I'd only just left the clan when I met you…)
So, no name yet, huh?
"Well, I can't just keep calling you 'You'…"
As he spoke, he noticed her nodding slightly in agreement.
"How about I give you a placeholder name for now? You can change it later if you come up with something you like."
"Woof~!" (No 'Snowy', 'Ms. Dog' or any of that nonsense! Sounds so bad and lazy!)
"Alright, alright… how about 'Little White'? Actually, 'Snowy' is also good?"
"WOOF!!" (Absolutely not!)
She swiped a paw at his face.
The razor-sharp claws didn't extend, so all he felt was a soft, fluffy brush—but her displeasure came through loud and clear.
"Okay, okay, I'm done joking. What about… Inukimi? The Dog Monarch?"
(A/N: Inukimi Images~)
It was a fan-given name that had spread online after the original author failed to ever give her a proper one—used only in a few cameo appearances, and always referred to indirectly.
"Inukimi" it was, for now.
As for whether she'll marry Toga like in canon, and whether Sesshōmaru will be born—well, that's something only the future can decide.
Yo~ I just wanted to mention that the story might start off slow, but once the crossovers and lore kick in, things will pick up. The lore might also explain why Veyron is the only male in the chat group.
Anyway, I hope you all are still enjoying the story, and have a great day, everyone!